WHEN dad Phil Birdsall introduced his four-year-old son to Star Trek the Motion Picture - he had no idea he was opening up a universe of opportunity for his boy.

For the Thornaby youngster developed a love for movie soundtracks that would later see his musical talent skyrocketing, resulting in an Ivor Novello Award.

The most prestigious award in music was given to former Macmillan Academy student Richard Birdsall last month at a glamorous award ceremony in the Grosvenor Hotel, London. The self-taught composer - who can’t actually play an instrument - rubbed shoulders with the likes of fellow winners Tinie Tempah, Dizzee Rascal and Muse when he won the accolade.

Richard, 25, said: “It’s amazing that I won the Ivor Novello award as I’m not even a musician - I compose using computer software.”

So it’s quite apt that Richard was give the prize for Best Original Video Game Score for his contribution to the soundtrack for Napoleon: Total War. But the young composer, who lives with HGV driver dad Phil, 56, and sister Sarah, 19, is no stranger to success.

He was nominated last year at the Ivor’s for another video game soundtrack and at age 18 he won the Garritan Personal Orchestra prize to see his own composition played by the Moravian Philharmonic orchestra.

Richard said: “I always had a dream to hear my music played by an orchestra. So when I saw the competition I decided to enter. I had to buy the software, learn to use it and put together a piece. I created a piece of music called Knights and Magic and I won!”

Richard and his family, including mum, Ann, 51, flew to the Czech Republic to see their son pick up his award.

Dad Phil, a musician himself, said: “I am so proud of him. He’s a genius. I tell him that all the time too. We just think he’s amazing and have supported him all the way.”

So much so that when Richard decided to leave his animation course at Teesside University to begin an open learning course in how to compose for soundtracks his dad gave the move his backing.

“We have told Richard we’ll do whatever it takes because he is so unique and talented.

Phil added: “When we went to the Czech Republic and stood there and listened to this music... the hairs on the back of my neck stood on end. I was amazed. I just thought how has this little kid from Thornaby done this from his bedroom?”

But now Richard, who attended Bader Primary School, is hoping his Ivor Novello Award will take his career to the next level.

He said: “It’s a tough industry because most people want to hire composers with experience so I’m hoping the award will open some doors.”

Richard composed part of the score for the game and won the award with fellow composers Richard Beddow and Ian Livingston.

He added: “It was an amazing night winning the prize but the most emotional time was hearing the soundtrack played live.”